Investigating innovations in outpatient services: a mixed-methods rapid evaluation.

Background: Within outpatient services, a broad range of innovations are being pursued to better manage care and reduce unnecessary appointments. One of the least-studied innovations is Patient-Initiated Follow-Up, which allows patients to book appointments if and when they need them, rather than follow a standard schedule.

Objectives: To use routine national hospital data to identify innovations in outpatient services implemented, in recent years, within the National Health Service in England.